The holidays have a funny way of loosening everything up.
Normal wake-up times drift. Meals happen whenever everyone feels like it. Bedtime gets pushed later because there is always one more thing going on. Before long, the routine that usually holds the day together quietly disappears.
That does not make you a bad parent. It makes you human.
The goal during the holiday season is not to keep routines perfect. It is to keep just enough structure so children still feel steady, safe, and settled, even when everything else feels different.
Why Routines Matter More When Life Gets Busy
Children rely on routines more than adults realise.
Routine helps children predict what comes next. It gives their day shape. When children know what usually happens after breakfast, after lunch, and before bed, their nervous system relaxes. They do not have to constantly guess or adjust.
During the holidays, everything becomes less predictable. There are visitors, late nights, travel, special events, and changes to childcare or school schedules. For adults, that feels exciting. For children, it can feel overwhelming, even when they are enjoying themselves.
Keeping a few consistent routines acts like an anchor. It gives children something familiar to hold onto when the rest of the day feels new or busy.
You Do Not Need a Perfect Schedule
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is thinking routines only work if they are followed exactly.
That is not true.
Holiday routines work best when they are flexible but familiar. The order matters more than the timing. The feeling matters more than the clock.
If bedtime is usually at 7:30 and it becomes 8:30 over the holidays, that is okay. What matters is that bedtime still looks and feels the same. The bath still happens. Pyjamas still go on. The same book still gets read. The lights still go off in the same calm way.
Children are far more adaptable than rigid schedules give them credit for.
Pick a Few Non-Negotiables
Trying to keep every routine during the holidays is exhausting. It also sets you up to fail.
Instead, choose two or three routines that stay mostly the same no matter what. These become your non-negotiables.
For many families, those look like morning, meals, and bedtime.
A simple morning routine, even on holiday days, helps the day start smoothly. That might be getting dressed before breakfast or having breakfast at the table instead of in front of a screen.
Keeping regular meal times helps regulate energy, mood, and behaviour. It also prevents constant snacking, which can quickly turn kids cranky without anyone realising why.
Bedtime routines matter the most. Sleep disruptions stack up fast, especially for young children.
Keeping the steps leading up to sleep familiar makes a huge difference, even if bedtime shifts later than usual.
Routines Can Look Different and Still Work
Routine does not mean boring.
During the holidays, routines can change shape without losing their purpose.
A normal weekday breakfast might be rushed. A holiday breakfast might be slower, shared, and messier. Both still serve the same function. They start the day in a predictable way.
Outdoor play might replace organised activities. Free play might replace planned learning. That is still routine. It still gives children a rhythm to their day.
Children do not need identical days. They need days that follow a loose, recognisable pattern.
Use Visual Cues to Support Young Children
When routines change, visual cues help children make sense of the day.
Simple tools work best. A basic daily chart. A picture schedule. Even just talking through what the day will look like in the morning.
Letting children know what is coming helps reduce resistance later. It also gives them a sense of control during a time when many decisions are being made for them.
When children understand what to expect, they are far more likely to cooperate.
Screen Time Can Quiet Things, But It Also Disrupts Rhythm
Screens are not the enemy. They can be helpful during busy days when parents need a break.
The issue is not screen time itself. It is when screens replace the natural flow of the day.
Long stretches of screen time can make transitions harder. Children often struggle to switch from screens to meals, play, or sleep. This is especially noticeable during the holidays when screen time increases without much structure.
Setting simple boundaries helps. Screens after lunch instead of all morning. Screens off an hour before bed. Screens used intentionally, not automatically.
These small limits protect routines without turning screen time into a battle.
Keep Transitions Calm and Predictable
Transitions are where routines usually fall apart.
Moving from play to meals. From activities to rest. From busy days to bedtime.
During the holidays, transitions become harder because children are tired, excited, or overstimulated. This is where consistency matters most.
Giving warnings before transitions helps. So does keeping the same phrases or rituals. A tidy-up song. A countdown. A calm voice instead of rushing or negotiating.
Children respond better to familiar cues than to sudden demands.
Expect Some Pushback and That Is Normal
Even with routines in place, children may test limits more during the holidays.
They might resist bedtime. They might ask for more treats. They might struggle with emotional regulation after busy days.
This does not mean routines are failing. It usually means children need them more than ever.
Staying calm and consistent sends a powerful message. The structure is still there. The adults are still in charge. Things are different, but they are still safe.
That reassurance matters more than perfect behaviour.
How Childcare Helps Maintain Balance
At Centenary Childcare Centre, routines are designed to support children through changes, including holiday periods.
Educators understand that children thrive when there is a balance between flexibility and structure. Holiday activities, celebrations, and special events are woven into familiar daily rhythms so children feel secure while still enjoying something new.
This approach helps children transition more smoothly between home and childcare, even during busy seasons.
It also gives parents peace of mind, knowing their child’s day still has a steady foundation.
The Goal Is Stability, Not Control
Keeping routines during the holidays is not about control. It is about stability.
Children do not need rigid schedules to thrive. They need predictable care, familiar rhythms, and adults who guide the day with confidence.
When routines stay loosely intact, children handle change better. They sleep better. They regulate emotions more easily. They enjoy the holidays instead of feeling overwhelmed by them.
That is the real win.
The holidays are meant to be joyful. A little structure helps everyone enjoy them more.
Final Thoughts
Keeping routines during the holiday season is not about doing things perfectly. It is about giving children enough structure to feel secure while still enjoying the excitement that comes with this time of year.
When routines stay loosely in place, children cope better with change, sleep more soundly, and return to learning with confidence once the holidays end. Those small daily habits add up, especially in the early years when consistency shapes behaviour, emotional regulation, and wellbeing.
At Centenary Childcare Centre, we understand how important routine is for young children, even during busy periods. Our educators support children with predictable rhythms, balanced days, and nurturing care that helps them feel safe, settled, and ready to learn.
If you are looking for a trusted early learning centre in Mount Ommaney or nearby suburbs such as Jindalee, Middle Park, Riverhills, Westlake, Sinnamon Park, or Seventeen Mile Rocks, we would love to welcome your family.
Enrolments for 2026 are now open.
Places fill quickly, so we encourage families to get in touch early to secure a spot for their child.
👉 Contact Centenary Childcare Centre today to book a tour, meet our educators, and learn how we can support your child’s growth from the very beginning.